HARRISBURG — CeaseFirePA applauded the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for advancing a state budget that makes a powerful, life-saving investment in community violence intervention (CVI) programs with bipartisan support. The budget includes $76.5 million for these evidence-based initiatives, marking a major victory for public safety and communities most impacted by gun violence.
After tireless advocacy by survivors, community leaders, and public safety champions, the Commonwealth has taken a bold step to build on past success and save even more lives.
Adam Garber, Executive Director of CeaseFirePA, issued the following statement:
“This budget represents another downpayment in proven violence prevention strategies. The fact the House increased resources in this difficult fiscal climate is a testament to the power of this movement, which contributed to a 38% decrease in gun homicides over the last two years.
In the last few months, survivors and interrupters have trekked to Harrisburg, shared their powerful work from Bucks County to the North HIlls of Pittsburgh, and joined with CeaseFirePA volunteers to advocate for these resources. Thank you to Representatives who backed this life-saving budget.
We urge the PA Senate to follow in their steps and pass a budget with at least $76.5 million in funding for violence prevention programs. Every day they wait, risk the violence prevention infrastructure that’s been built over the last four years. This proposal honors that success and ensures more Pennsylvanians — in every corner of our state — can live free from fear.”
Pennsylvania’s sustained support for CVI programs is already driving measurable results. According to an analysis by the CeaseFirePA Education Fund of Gun Violence Archive data:
- Statewide, total gun violence dropped by 42% since 2022. Gun deaths decreased by 38% in the same period.
- Allegheny County reported a 30% decrease over the last two years.
The data reflects the power of long-term, community-centered approaches to violence prevention. With this new investment, Pennsylvania is poised to continue this trend and expand safety to even more communities — rural, urban, and suburban alike.
This year’s budget sends a clear message: community safety is not a partisan issue. From the halls of the Capitol to the heart of every neighborhood, Pennsylvanians are united in their desire to end gun violence. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle recognized the importance of CVI, and the result is a budget that puts safety first.
CeaseFirePA Education Fund does not receive funding from the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency or the Violence Intervention Program.
